School is over

It’s now October and the ‘A’ level exam is just round the corner. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to see each other so often Dan. I have to concentrate on my studies to prepare for the Senior Cambridge exam. My father wants me to obtain good grades. He wants me to study medicine at the University of Malaya “. “Ok dear…I understand. I have my Lower Sixth exam too”, replied Daniel. “It’s difficult to concentrate in my house. I have my brother and sister and nephews running all over the house”, Janet sighed. “Why don’t you study at a library?”, Daniel suggested. “You mean our library? No way… There are too many familiar faces there. They are a distraction. Moreover, they talk too loud!”, Janet complained. "Why don’t you go to the British Council after school? They have a really good library which is quiet and really conducive for studies. It is stocked with the latest reference books too”, Daniel suggested. “But, it’s too far from my house Dan”. “ Don’t worry dear, we will take the bus to go there after school. I will study there too and I will take the bus home with you, ok?”, explained Daniel. For the next two months, the two of them studied hard for their exams. Everyday Daniel would take the same bus with Janet. After seeing her off safely inside her house, he would take another bus to go home alone.
“School is over! Let’s go to the snack bar to celebrate”, someone shouted. The boys came with their long hairs, tight jeans and Beatles boots and the girls armed themsleves with the latest copies of fashion megazines; many of them spotted with the 'beehive' hairdo, trying to look like Twiggy. They sang and they danced. Suddenly, Daniel's joyous mood turned to doubt. “What are you going to do Janet?”, Daniel enquired. “I have to go back to my home town in Ipoh dear. I have not seen my grandparents and my uncles, aunties, nieces and nephews for awhile. I will come back after the results”, Janet reassured. “Well, don’t be too long ok? I shall miss you”, said Daniel. They kept contact by phones from homes and writing letters to each other.
“Dan, I passed with As!”, Janet cried excitedly. “I am going to apply to study medicine”. Daniel was quiet. “What’s wrong Dan?” enquired Janet. “That means you won’t be around anymore. There will be lots of boys in the university going after you”. “You worry too much Dan. Your are forever in my heart. Love me with all of your heart remember?”, replied Janet. “I have already passed my driving test. I will ask my dad to get me a second hand car. I will fetch you from university after my class to send you home, ok?”, Daniel told Janet. Months passed. It’s now October and it’s Daniel’s turn to study for his ‘A’ Level exam. He passed with good grades too, although not as good as Janet. Daniel is not the conventional type when it comes to choosing a career. Much sought after conventional professions like medicine, law, engineering, accountancy and banking etc are not his cup of tea. He likes the call of the wild; he likes to explore the faraway unfamiliar territories; he likes nature and he loves adventure. Beside music, he is fascinated by history from young; he likes to find out about lost civilizations, he likes to read biographies of famous personalities. “So, what are you going to do now Dan?, it was Janet’s turn to ask. “Well, my father told me he has applied for a scholarship with the British Museum for me to study Anthropology. But, I would rather remain here with you. I will get a job, we will get married, I will support you, we will have children, we will be happy together, we will……”. Shhh…shhh…shh…”, Janet interrupted. “Don’t daydream darling. I still have few more years to complete my medical studies. Moreover, what sort of job can you get, what sort of pay will you get, without a university degree?”. “I don’t care. I only want to be with you”, answered Daniel. “Take the scholarship hun. I know your passion is in Anthropology. It is right for you. There is a big new world out there waiting for you to live out your passion. You will be one of the best. You will be good for them. Otherwise, a prestigious institution like the British Museum would not offer you a full scholarship. I will wait for you. It’s only for a few years. We are still young”, Janet pleaded.